DC United got a second-half equalizer against Portland in front of 14,317 at RFK Stadium on Wednesday night, but couldn't find a winner. Kenny Cooper put Portland on the board in the 24th minute, with Dwayne De Rosario bringing DC level in the 73rd.
The draw means no chance at the postseason for DC United, who have a game left to play in 2011. Portland remains in contention, trailing New York by two points for the final playoff spot with one game remaining for both clubs. New York could make Portland's finale irrelevant with a win or a draw on Thursday night at home against Philadelphia (8pm ET - ESPN2).
"I am extremely proud of the guys," DC coach Ben Olsen said. "Extremely disappointed that we haven’t made the playoffs. Again, I apologize to the fans and the organization. I’ll take the blame for it. I can promise you I’ll get better as a coach, and this team will get better."
